Honours To Quiet Change Agents

Femi Akintunde-Johnson

It is almost exactly 30 years to the day – 22 December, 1994 – when the young journalist was snatched from this earth at the gloomy confines of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, after a brief illness. Adewale Olomu’s sudden death threw his colleagues into paroxysms of anger, grief, regret and several other emotions – and for days downed tools in baleful solidarity with an uncommon comrade and inspirational figure who was just about a month away from his 31st birthday. Still a bachelor with a fervent desire to settle with his steady girlfriend, Adebisi, in the incoming year, Wale was full of ideas and great desire to be the best, and a good example, in all his endeavours.

His work ethics made it impossible to ignore his contributions, energy, and loyalty. He was deeply concerned about talented and industrious individuals within his adored beat – entertainment – not getting their due recognition and celebration merely because they didn’t see the need to put themselves forward, and curry favours from reporters. He was determined to be their wingman…their trumpeter…their hype man (as they say nowadays). But only on one condition: that they were creative, talented, hardworking, change-agents, and unpretentious.

It is for those values and his inimitable determination and enthusiasm in pursuit of his beliefs that we instituted last year the Wale Olómù Memorial Awards. And as you’re reading this, the final presentations of the Lifetime Achievement Awards and Special Recognition Awards would be ongoing, or would have just ended, on The Vintage Talkshow, broadcast via TopRadio 90.9 FM, in Ikeja, Lagos.

  We have taken the liberty, in these two-part series, to unveil the six valued recipients of this year’s awards, and their citations – a mere capsule of their remarkable attainments and contributions to the growth and power potential of Nigerian entertainment.

“TUNDE KOLAWOLE (Distinguished Journalist, Chronicler of Nigerian Entertainment)

  A towering figure in the field of entertainment journalism, Tunde Kolawole has spent decades shaping the narrative of Nigerian arts and culture with an unmatched flair for storytelling. As a seasoned journalist and editor, Kolawole made his mark at leading publications such as PUNCH Newspapers, ThisDay, and Sunday Concord, where his sharp insights and compelling features earned him widespread acclaim and set a benchmark for excellence in entertainment reporting.

Kolawole’s exceptional work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Entertainment Writer of the Year Award from the Nigerian Music Awards and the John Chukwu Memorial Award. He also received a “Commendation” award in the Features Writer of the Year category at the Nigerian Media Merit Award. These honors underscore his unwavering dedication to chronicling Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment landscape with brilliance and integrity.

An alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Temple University, and Villanova University, Kolawole combines academic rigor with a passion for human development. He is also a globally certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-SCP, underscoring his versatility and leadership in diverse fields.

Currently serving as President/CEO of USA Media in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kolawole continues to promote African arts and culture on an international scale through innovative audio-visual productions, publishing, and publicity. His work bridges the gap between continents, ensuring that the vibrancy of Nigerian entertainment resonates across the globe.

 For his immense contributions to entertainment journalism, mentorship of emerging talents, and consistent advocacy for African arts and culture, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly honours Tunde Kolawole with the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for his outstanding achievements in the media and entertainment industry.

OLISA CHUKWUEMEKA ADIBUA (Media Icon, Entertainment Entrepreneur & Pioneer)

With over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Olisa Adibua is a towering figure whose influence has shaped Nigeria’s media, music, and culture. Renowned for his versatility and professionalism, Olisa’s career spans radio, television, film, live events, and digital platforms. From hosting popular radio shows like the No. 1 afternoon drive time on Cool FM to launching The Beat 99.9FM and Naija FM 102.7, Olisa has remained at the forefront of African electronic media since 1988.

A serial entrepreneur and media innovator, Olisa co-founded Storm Records and later Storm 360, playing a pivotal role in the global rise of Afrobeats. As a producer, content creator, and consultant, he has collaborated with top-tier brands and platforms, spearheading iconic projects like Big Brother Nigeria, Naija Sings, and Apprentice Africa. His groundbreaking YouTube show, The Truth With Olisa, has redefined celebrity interviews in Nigeria, celebrated for its incisiveness and cultural relevance.

Olisa’s ventures extend beyond traditional media. As the founder of Olisa.tv and MyMusic.com.ng, he continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation in Africa, spotlighting the continent’s creative talent and providing platforms for global engagement. His leadership at Perceptions Media underscores his reputation as a trusted consultant delivering exceptional value across media, entertainment, and events management.

For his immense contributions to African entertainment, media innovation, and youth development, the WOMA Steering Committee proudly honours Olisa Adibua with the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for his outstanding achievements in the industry.

DR. BAYO ADEPETUN (Founder, Creative Consultant, Music Composer & Sound Designer)

  Bayo Adepetun, a trailblazer in sound design and music composition, embodies a rare blend of medical expertise and artistic ingenuity. Originally trained as a medical doctor, his unrelenting passion for music and sound technology catalyzed an illustrious career spanning over three decades. As the founder and creative force behind Midivision and the Digital Audio Post Collective (DAPC), Dr. Adepetun has redefined the standards of audio production in Nigeria’s advertising and film industries.

  A self-taught sound designer, Dr. Adepetun’s work is synonymous with excellence. He has crafted groundbreaking audio campaigns for Nigeria’s top-tier brands and contributed innovative soundscapes that have elevated post-production across various platforms. His ability to merge creativity with technical precision has established him as a vanguard of sound engineering in Africa.

Driven by his passion for cinema, Dr. Adepetun identified a glaring gap in the sound quality of African films. Despite the global recognition of African cinema, its auditory standards lagged behind those of international streaming platforms. Through DAPC, he has championed the mission to enhance the sonic identity of African storytelling, ensuring that films produced on the continent meet world-class audio standards. His visionary efforts are not just about recognition but about positioning African cinema as a formidable force on the global stage.

For his groundbreaking contributions to sound design, unwavering commitment to creative excellence, and relentless pursuit of global standards for African films, Dr. Bayo Adepetun is celebrated as a pioneer and an inspiration to aspiring creatives across the continent.

The WOMA Steering Committee is proud to present Dr. Bayo Adepetun with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for Sound Design and Music Production.”

(To Conclude Next Edition)